Senior Character TD (DNEG Animation)

DNEG; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects and animation company in Greater London is seeking a Character TD to create animation rigs for characters, creatures, props, and vehicles. You will work closely with Rigging Supervisors and Animation Leads to develop solutions for animated features. Ideal candidates have proven experience, strong visual skills, and familiarity with Maya. This is a collaborative environment that thrives on creativity and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Proven years of experience with significant creature/character projects.
• Thorough knowledge of character specialisation (body, face, mechanical rigs).
• Full working knowledge of Maya.
• Comfortable with technical aspects of character/creature work.
• Extensive understanding of human and animal anatomy.
• Proficiency in mathematics and fundamental animation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Create animation rigs for characters, creatures, props, and vehicles.
• Work closely with Rigging Supervisors and Animation Leads/Supervisors.
• Implement proprietary tools to aid in creating animation.

Skills

Experience with significant creature/character projects

Knowledge of character specialisation (body, face, mechanical rigs)

Full working knowledge of Maya

Visual and artistic skills

Familiarity with post-production environments

Understanding of human and animal anatomy

Understanding of the laws of physics

Proficiency in mathematics (linear algebra)

Fundamental animation knowledge

Job description

Description

Position at DNEG

Since 2014, DNEG's Feature Animation division has been collaborating with filmmakers and IP owners to create high-end animated feature films. Currently in production on major animated features we are looking for new talent to join our growing team. Thriving on collaboration and the creative energy it provides, we will craft together spectacular visuals and bring to life the vision of both major Hollywood studios and independent productions! Visit our website to find out more about Feature Animation at DNEG: https://www.dneg.com/feature-animation/

We aim to compete with the best in the business and will depend on our Character TDs to create animation rigs for characters, creatures, props, and vehicles. From time to time, it may be necessary to implement proprietary tools to aid in creating animation. This is a team effort, so you'll work closely with our Rigging Supervisors and Animation Leads/Supervisors to develop the most suitable rigging solutions.

Must Have

• Needs to have proven years of experience with significant creature/character projects
• Thorough knowledge of their area of character specialisation (i.e., body, face, mechanical rigs)
• Full working knowledge of Maya
• Needs to be comfortable with the more technical aspects of character/creature work where appropriate and have strong visual and artistic skills
• Familiarity with pipeline issues and a typical character/creature-heavy post-production environment
• Extensive understanding of human and animal anatomy
• Understanding of the fundamental laws of physics
• Proficiency in mathematics (linear algebra)
• Fundamental animation knowledge

Nice to Have

• Programming or scripting skills (i.e., MEL, Python, C++) would be beneficial but not essential

About You

• Good communication skills
• Team oriented
• Courteous and helpful
• Pro‑active
• Adaptable
• Able to take direction well
• Good organisational skills
• Excellent time management skills

About Us

We are DNEG, one of the world's leading visual effects and animation companies for the creation of award‑winning feature film, television, and multiplatform content. We employ more than 9,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London), Asia (Bangalore, Mohali, Chennai, Mumbai) and Australia (Sydney). At DNEG, we fundamentally believe that embracing our differences is a vital component of our collective success. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment for our global teams, where everyone feels they matter and belong. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of background, experience or disability. Please let us know if you need any adjustments or support during the application process, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We look forward to meeting you!